Overview:
A 13-runner Class 5 handicap staged over the extended mile at Beverley. The going is good to firm (good in places), and the pace forecast suggests an even gallop, with a few habitual front-runners such as Alfie Boy and Northbound likely to push the early fractions. The draw bias is neutral at this trip, but Beverley’s sharp right-handed track and uphill finish often test stamina more than the bare trip suggests.


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Pace/Draw Angles:

Alfie Boy (drawn 1) and Northbound (4) can force the pace, with Makalu and Dr Rio likely to track wide early from middle/high gates.

Prominent racers are often favoured here over those held up, unless a strong collapse up front develops.

No significant draw bias reported over 8.5f+ on this ground.



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Leading Contenders:

1. Alfie Boy (TFR 83) – 9/10
Back-to-back wins at Beverley and Ayr in recent weeks and retains a mark of 65. Strong profile at the track, races prominently, and comes from a yard that has won this type of race regularly. Slight concern over whether he’ll get a soft lead again, but clearly in form.

2. NON RUNNER!! Cosmos Raj (TFR 84) – 8/10
Returned to form with a determined win at Hamilton. Lightly raced in 2025 and has a solid top rating here. Reliable on this ground and trip. Drawn wider than ideal but finishes strongly. Market support would strengthen his claims further.

3. Bobacious (TFR 84) – 7/10
Consistent sort who has run with credit in fair company. Yet to win over this shorter trip recently but handles quick ground. Billy Loughnane retains the ride, which is a plus.

4. Northbound (TFR 83) – 7/10
Changed hands recently and shaped well last time out. Versatile in terms of trip and ground, and a prominent run style suits Beverley. Apprentice takes off a valuable 5lb. Worth noting trainer Roger Fell has done well at this venue.


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Main Dangers:

5. Casilli (TFR 85) – 7/10
Has a solid course record (4 wins at Beverley) and will come on for her reappearance. Often held up, so pace will be a key factor. Market support would be significant.

6. Coolree (TFR 81) – 6/10
Fourth in a fair race at Thirsk last time out. May come forward again. Handles this ground and trip, but can race lazily and needs a strong pace.

7. Tees George (TFR 83) – 6/10
Won here last September and well-handicapped on best form. Trainer cold currently, and recent runs haven’t been convincing, but likely to be sharper for the run.


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Interesting Outsiders:

8. Evelyn’s Phoenix (TFR 84) – 6/10
Off 237 days. Triple winner last summer including here and Ripon. Handles all types of going and often races close up. Has gone well fresh. If the money comes, he’d be of strong interest.

9. Dr Rio (TFR 82) – 5/10
Another course winner, shaped as if in need of reappearance. Often slowly away. Watch the market.

10. Park Street (TFR 79) – 5/10
Ran poorly on return but has run well at Beverley before. Often hangs and can be hard to predict.

11. Speeding Bullet (TFR 80) – 5/10
Lightly raced for new yard, shaped with rust on reappearance. Unexposed compared to others, so worth monitoring the betting.

12. Makalu (TFR 82) – 4/10
Southwell winner in March but below form since. A bit to prove at present.

13. Dandy’s Angel (TFR 83) – 3/10
Comes here badly out of form and with a poor recent record. Hard to fancy on current evidence.


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Trainer Trends & Notes:

Tim Easterby (Alfie Boy & Evelyn’s Phoenix) – Successful in handicaps at this track; his runners often peak in spring.

David O’Meara (Cosmos Raj) – In-form stable and consistent when teaming up with Tudhope.

Michael & David Easterby (Casilli) – Regular winners at Beverley; Casilli won here twice in 2023.



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Ratings Summary (Marks out of 10):

Horse TFR Score

Alfie Boy 83 9/10
Cosmos Raj 84 8/10
Bobacious 84 7/10
Northbound 83 7/10
Casilli 85 7/10
Coolree 81 6/10
Tees George 83 6/10
Evelyn’s Phoenix 84 6/10
Dr Rio 82 5/10
Park Street 79 5/10
Speeding Bullet 80 5/10
Makalu 82 4/10
Dandy’s Angel 83 3/10



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Tissue Estimate (Guide, not forecast odds):

Alfie Boy – 7/2

Cosmos Raj – NR

Northbound – 6/1

Bobacious – 6/1

Casilli – 15/2

Coolree – 9/1

Tees George – 11/1

Evelyn’s Phoenix – 12/1

Speeding Bullet / Park Street – 14/1

Dr Rio / Makalu – 18/1

Dandy’s Angel – 28/1



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Note: Keep an eye on market support for Evelyn’s Phoenix, Speeding Bullet, and Dr Rio, all returning from 90+ day breaks. Any sustained support would suggest fitness and intent.